ISLAMABAD - French Navy handed over Command of Multinational Combined Task Force 150 to Pakistan Navy at a formal and impressive Change of Command ceremony held at Headquarters US NAVCENT, Bahrain. Rear Admiral Moazzam Ilyas took over the Command of CTF-150 from Captain Rene-Jean Crignola of French Navy.
A Pakistan Navy’s press release issued on Friday said that Vice Admiral John W Miller, Commander US Naval Forces Central Command, and Commander Combined Maritime Forces presided over the ceremony and presented the resume of CTF-150’s recent successes.
Senior officers from foreign navies forming coalition were also present on the occasion. Addressing the audience, Rear Admiral Moazzam Ilyas, new CCTF-150 assured that his team is fully prepared to shoulder this important responsibility.
The CCTF-150 also lauded the outgoing French Navy team and their dedicated efforts to achieve objectives of CTF-150 during their tenure of Command and reaffirmed his resolve to continue operations with the same zeal and zest.
He further highlighted that relations between Pakistan Navy and coalition Navies continue to strengthen due to our focused commitments in support of Collaborative Maritime Security in the region and Pakistan’s resolve to maintain peace in this region.
Combined Task Force 150 is one of three Task Forces within the ambit of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Combined Task Force is a Multinational Coalition for Counter Terrorism Operations at sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Its mission is to promote maritime security in order to counter terrorist acts and related illegal activities at sea.
Pakistan Navy has been entrusted command of CTF-150 for the eighth time which is a manifestation of the trust and respect enjoyed by Pakistan Navy among the coalition partners.